Ventriloquist sends message with laughter

Tuesday

Sep 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM

By Nancy Hastingsnhastings@hillsdale.netItís rare to find someone who is able to hold the attention of multiple age levels and make them all laugh hysterically.Thatís what David Pendleton did to a sold-out audience Saturday night at the Gospel Barn in Hillsdale. The Wileys, who operate the gospel music venue on Saturday nights, said it was the first time since the barnís new addition that every seat was filled with people waiting in the wings.As one of the nationís premiere ventriloquists, Pendleton can make you believe that anything can talk! A 20-year veteran entertainer, Pendletonís humor and stellar technique keeps audiences laughing from start to finish.David brings to his show a wide range of comedic characters including lovable, but blunt Aunt Tilly, a 94-year-old spinster; quick-witted trouble-maker, Mack Elroy with his laid-back sidekick, Buford the Beagle; and rounding out the cast, Vern, a slightly misguided albino vulture.Pendleton wasnít afraid to incorporate a few surprise appearances from members of the audience. All I can say is ďDonĒ is a real trooper, since he was ridiculed in good measure†ó all in good fun, of course.And thatís the key to the type of entertainment provided. Pendleton uses good, clean humor that just about anybody can laugh about. Itís not crass or barbaric like what many comedians deliver these days.Throughout all his high-energy entertainment, he mixes in humorous truths of Godís plan for our lives. When people become relaxed and let their defenses down a bit with laughter, itís easy to let the truths that are communicated change lives.I would have to say Aunt Tilly was my favorite of all the company. Pendleton has mastered her mannerisms from movement to voice inflection, creating a truly loveable character that reminds everyone of their own grandmother.He said Tilly was indeed inspired by his grandmother and was made specifically for him.It was his grandmother who helped him the most with writing material for his act, as he began to do shows for birthday parties, local service clubs and church functions.Tilly is sassy and speaks her mind. When introduced to a 19-year-old male in the audience, Tilly said she didnít mind younger men and even if he did pass away before she did, it would be okay.Most audience participants went along with the hilarity. Especially hilarious was when Pendleton asked for three people to come on stage and move their mouths when he touched the back of their necks at appointed times.Each volunteer sang Sunday School songs in abnormal voices and coordinated gestures to the songs with help from the first several rows of the audience. The result was worthy of a standing ovation.Pendleton said he knew he wanted to become a ventriloquist early in life. Starting at age 6, he remembers listening to a practice record made by ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson and sitting in front of a mirror while speaking without moving his lips. Before long, he was ready to do a whole new kind of show for anyone he could rope into watching.Now, he doesnít have to rope anyone into watching. Heís made a name for himself and they come to see him in droves. Watching was like seeing life breathed into characters that are otherwise lifeless†ó kind of like we are without God.